Puri Mesari Hotel & Suites

Sanur isn't exactly a hotbed of party hotels -- that's across Bali in Kuta -- but even by this area's sleepy standards, Puri Mesari is an exceptionally low-key, quiet option. This family-run property has a loyal following, and nearly 30 percent of the hotel's guests are repeat customers in any given year. That says a lot about the hotel, and Puri Mesari is best used as a clean and tranquil home base for exploring the area. What few common areas exist are lovely, with a gorgeous central pool, lots of flowers and koi ponds, and a partially open-air restaurant. During our 2017 visit we spotted a few guests cooling off in the shade of the restaurant and sipping on cold beers, while others splashed around lazily in the pool. Expect to see mostly mature travelers from Europe and Australia here, though some families pass through as well. 

For travelers wanting an easy walk to Sanur's touristy restaurants and cafes, it will be better to look elsewhere, as this hotel is somewhat removed from the city's buzzier areas. It's only a 10-minute walk to the beach, but the hotel also offers a free on-call shuttle to the shore. There are just a few local warungs and cafes on Jalan Danau Poso, which is a 10-minute walk away or so. Another clutch of more touristy spots sits near Puri Santrian, which is around a 10-minute walk east from the property. It's a 10-minute cab ride to the northern section of Sanur around Hardy's Sanur Square, and the Sindhu Night Market takes about the same amount of time to reach by car. Budget 20 to 30 minutes for a trip to the airport, while Kuta is around 35 to 40 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. 

The rooms here are a mixed bag when it comes to quality, and they range from one-room traditional hotel rooms to multi-room suites that work for families or small groups. Check ahead on which rooms have been renovated before booking, as the more modern rooms have nicer furniture, more attractive details, and better linens. In any case, all rooms are impeccably clean and quiet. Expect handsome Balinese art pieces on the walls, which were particularly dramatic in the Superior Room that we visited. Standard features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, basic minibars, and at least some chairs for additional seating. Many rooms have two walls of windows letting in plenty of natural light, though layouts can be compact in certain units. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos, and many ground-floor units have outdoor bathrooms. Some of the hotel's two-bedroom units add kitchenettes. Select rooms also have balconies or terraces with seating. 

There aren't many features here, and the hotel is best for unfussy guests who don't need many bells and whistles. The nicest extra is the hotel's pool, which is a lovely and tranquil space at the center of the grounds. It's quite large for such a small property, and there are a few loungers set up poolside. A casual restaurant sits next to the pool and serves Indonesian and international fare, as well as beer and local wine. An a la carte breakfast is included in rates. There's a free on-call shuttle to the beach and into town, and massage services can be arranged. Beach towels are available from the hotel for free. There is no charge for Wi-Fi throughout the property.